1 Chronicles 17:3

KJV

And it came to pass the same night, that the word of God came to Nathan, saying,

KJV (with Strong's)

And it came to pass the same night {H3915}, that the word {H1697} of God {H430} came to Nathan {H5416}, saying {H559},

Complete Jewish Bible

But that same night the word of God came to Natan:

Berean Standard Bible

But that night the word of God came to Nathan, saying,

American Standard Version

And it came to pass the same night, that the word of God came to Nathan, saying,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 17:3 marks a pivotal moment in King David's reign, recording a swift and direct divine intervention that immediately redirects his noble intention to build a permanent temple for the Ark of the Covenant. Following the prophet Nathan's initial, human affirmation of David's plan, this verse highlights God's immediate and authoritative communication to Nathan, revealing a different, sovereignly ordained divine purpose and timing for the temple's construction, thereby setting the stage for the profound Davidic Covenant.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows [King David's heartfelt desire](/1_chronicles/17-1 "1 Chronicles 17:1 - David's Desire to Build a Temple") to construct a magnificent temple for the Ark of the Covenant, replacing its temporary tent dwelling. Nathan, the prophet, initially responds with human wisdom, affirming David's good intentions in [1 Chronicles 17:2](/1_chronicles/17-2 "1 Chronicles 17:2 - Nathan's Initial Affirmation"). However, the phrase "the same night" in verse 3 signals an abrupt and critical divine interruption. This verse serves as the narrative hinge, pivoting the story from human initiative to divine revelation, introducing God's direct message to Nathan that will unfold in [1 Chronicles 17:4-14](/1_chronicles/17-4 "1 Chronicles 17:4-14 - God's Message to David Through Nathan"), establishing the foundational Davidic Covenant. A parallel account of this significant event and covenant is found in [2 Samuel 7](/2_samuel/7 "2 Samuel 7 - The Davidic Covenant").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** David's reign marked a period of relative peace and stability for Israel, allowing the king to focus on consolidating the nation and its religious life. The desire to build a permanent dwelling for God was a common practice among ancient Near Eastern monarchs, often signifying national prosperity and royal legitimacy, and was seen as a noble act of devotion. However, the God of Israel, Yahweh, often transcended human cultural norms. The Ark had historically resided in a tabernacle, a portable tent, symbolizing God's presence among His people during their wilderness wanderings and subsequent journeys. While David's intention was commendable, God's immediate intervention demonstrates His unique sovereignty and His prerogative to determine the timing and means of His dwelling among His people, as well as the specific individuals He would use for such a sacred task.

* **Key Themes:** The immediate divine intervention in this verse underscores several key themes. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Revelation and Communication**, emphasizing that God actively speaks to His people through His chosen messengers, the prophets, and that His word is authoritative and decisive. Secondly, it powerfully illustrates **God's Sovereignty Over Human Plans**, even those conceived with the best of intentions and for God's glory. David's commendable desire was subject to God's ultimate design, which would be revealed as the establishment of an eternal dynasty through David's lineage—the [Davidic Covenant](/2_samuel/7-12 "2 Samuel 7:12 - God's Promise of a Dynasty to David")—rather than the immediate construction of a physical temple by David himself. This sets the stage for the theme of **God's Perfect Timing and Method**, demonstrating that His ways often differ from human expectations, yet always lead to a greater fulfillment of His purposes. Finally, it subtly introduces the theme of **Prophetic Authority and Humility**, as Nathan, despite his initial human error, promptly and faithfully delivers God's corrected message, exemplifying true prophetic obedience.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **"same night" (Hebrew, _ballaylāh hahhû'_):** This phrase emphasizes the immediate and urgent nature of God's communication. It signifies that there was no delay between Nathan's human affirmation of David's plan and God's divine correction. This immediacy underscores God's active involvement in the affairs of His people and His sovereign control over events, ensuring that His will is executed without delay or deviation. It highlights divine initiative and precision.
* **"word of God" (Hebrew, _dĕḇar YHWH'_):** This is a powerful and frequently used theological phrase in the Old Testament, denoting a direct, authoritative, and unmediated communication from Yahweh Himself. It distinguishes God's pronouncements from human thoughts, opinions, or even prophetic insights that are not direct revelation. The use of "Yahweh" (the covenant name of God) further emphasizes the personal and binding nature of this divine message, carrying absolute truth and demanding obedience.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it came to pass the same night,"**: This opening clause establishes the immediate temporal context. It signifies a swift and decisive divine response, occurring without delay after Nathan's initial, humanly reasoned counsel to David. This immediacy underscores the urgency and importance of God's impending message, highlighting His active and timely involvement in the unfolding narrative.
* **"that the word of God came to Nathan,"**: This is the core declaration of divine revelation. It specifies the source ("the word of God," i.e., Yahweh's direct communication) and the recipient (Nathan, the prophet). This phrasing emphasizes the authoritative and supernatural origin of the message, indicating that what follows is not Nathan's own thought or interpretation, but a direct, infallible pronouncement from the Almighty.
* **"saying,"**: This simple conjunction serves as a direct introduction to the divine message itself, which will be detailed in the subsequent verses. It signals that the following discourse is the precise content of God's communication to Nathan, setting the stage for the profound theological truths and covenant promises that are about to be revealed.

#### Literary Devices
1 Chronicles 17:3 employs several powerful literary devices. The phrase **Narrative Transition** is evident, as the verse abruptly shifts the narrative from David's human desire and Nathan's human affirmation to a direct divine intervention, signaling a pivotal turning point in the story of the Davidic kingdom. The immediacy conveyed by "the same night" creates a sense of **Urgency and Divine Immediacy**, emphasizing God's active and precise involvement in human affairs. Furthermore, the verse acts as a moment of **Foreshadowing**, hinting at the profound revelation of the Davidic Covenant that is about to be unveiled, a covenant far grander than David's initial temple-building ambitions. The very act of God speaking directly to Nathan, correcting a prophet's well-intentioned but human counsel, powerfully demonstrates **Divine Sovereignty** and God's ultimate control over the plans and destinies of His people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly illustrates God's active involvement in the lives of His people and His sovereign control over historical events. Even David's noble and pious desire to build a temple for God was subject to the divine will and timing. God’s immediate intervention through Nathan demonstrates that while human intentions may be good, God’s plans are always superior, more expansive, and perfectly timed. It underscores the principle that true spiritual endeavor must align with God's revealed will, not merely human aspiration. This communication also highlights the crucial role of prophets as conduits of God's authoritative word, reminding us that God reveals His purposes to His chosen messengers.

* [2 Samuel 7:4](/2_samuel/7-4 "2 Samuel 7:4 - Parallel Account of God's Word to Nathan")
* [Amos 3:7](/amos/3-7 "Amos 3:7 - God Reveals His Secret to His Servants the Prophets")
* [Isaiah 55:8-9](/isaiah/55-8 "Isaiah 55:8-9 - God's Thoughts and Ways Are Higher")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Chronicles 17:3 serves as a powerful reminder that while our intentions may be noble and our desires aligned with what we perceive as God's glory, it is ultimately God's specific will and timing that must prevail. This verse challenges believers to cultivate a posture of deep humility and receptivity to divine redirection. It encourages us to pray not just for the success of our plans, but for clarity regarding God's plans, and to be open to the possibility that God may have a different, even better, way forward. Just as Nathan humbly received and delivered God's corrected message, we are called to submit our best-laid plans to the Lord, trusting that His ultimate design for our lives, our ministries, and His kingdom is perfect and brings Him the greatest glory. This requires a discerning spirit, attentive to God's Word and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, ensuring that our zeal is always tempered by divine wisdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life or ministry might my good intentions need divine redirection or refinement?**
* **How do I actively seek and discern "the word of God" in my own life today, beyond my own thoughts and desires?**
* **What does Nathan's humility in receiving a corrective word teach me about my own posture towards God's will and spiritual authority?**

### FAQ

**Why did God initially allow Nathan to approve David's plan, only to correct him later?**

Answer: Nathan's initial approval in [1 Chronicles 17:2](/1_chronicles/17-2 "1 Chronicles 17:2 - Nathan's Initial Affirmation") was likely based on human wisdom and a prophet's good intuition, recognizing David's noble desire to honor God. It was not, however, a direct divine revelation. God often allows human initiative and even well-intentioned plans to unfold, but reserves the right to intervene and refine or redirect them according to His perfect will and timing. This incident highlights the distinction between a prophet's personal opinion and a direct, authoritative "word of God." God's immediate correction demonstrates His sovereignty and His precise control over the unfolding of His redemptive plan, ensuring that His ultimate purposes are fulfilled in His way, not merely according to human design.

**What is the significance of the phrase "the same night"?**

Answer: The phrase "the same night" underscores the immediacy and urgency of God's communication to Nathan. It signifies that there was no delay between Nathan's human affirmation of David's plan and God's divine intervention. This swiftness indicates God's active and decisive involvement, preventing David from proceeding with a plan that, while good in intention, was not yet aligned with God's specific timing or method for the temple's construction. It highlights God's attentiveness to the affairs of His people and His sovereign precision in guiding their steps.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The divine intervention in 1 Chronicles 17:3, redirecting David's desire to build a physical house for God, sets the stage for a far grander promise: God's commitment to build an eternal "house" or dynasty for David. This promise, detailed in the subsequent verses of [1 Chronicles 17](/1_chronicles/17 "1 Chronicles 17 - The Davidic Covenant") and [2 Samuel 7](/2_samuel/7 "2 Samuel 7 - The Davidic Covenant"), finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. David longed to establish a permanent dwelling for God's presence, but God revealed that He would establish an everlasting kingdom through David's offspring. This "offspring" is ultimately Jesus, the Son of David, whose kingdom "shall have no end" ([Luke 1:32-33](/luke/1-32 "Luke 1:32-33 - The Eternal Kingdom of Jesus")). Furthermore, while David desired to build a temple of stone, Christ Himself is the true temple, the ultimate dwelling place of God among humanity ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus Speaks of the Temple of His Body")). Through His atoning sacrifice and resurrection, Jesus not only establishes an eternal spiritual kingdom but also builds a spiritual temple composed of believers, "a dwelling place for God by the Spirit" ([Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - Believers as a Holy Temple")). Thus, God's redirection of David's good intentions foreshadowed the superior reality of Christ's eternal spiritual reign and His embodiment as the perfect dwelling of God, far surpassing any earthly structure.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Kings 20:1

¶ In those days was Hezekiah sick unto death. And the prophet Isaiah the son of Amoz came to him, and said unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Set thine house in order; for thou shalt die, and not live.

2 Kings 20:5

Turn again, and tell Hezekiah the captain of my people, Thus saith the LORD, the God of David thy father, I have heard thy prayer, I have seen thy tears: behold, I will heal thee: on the third day thou shalt go up unto the house of the LORD.

Numbers 12:6

And he said, Hear now my words: If there be a prophet among you, [I] the LORD will make myself known unto him in a vision, [and] will speak unto him in a dream.

Amos 3:7

Surely the Lord GOD will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets.

Isaiah 30:21

And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This [is] the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left.